Pennsylvania secretary of education, Pedro A. Rivera, will give the commencement address at the Temple University College of Education and Human Development's 99th Commencement ceremony on May 10th. Rivera was nominated by Governor Tom Wolf to serve as the Secretary of Education on January 20, 2015 and was confirmed by the state Senate in June 2015. A former classroom teacher, staff member with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, assistant principal, principal, executive director for the School District of Philadelphia and superintendent of the School District of Lancaster, Rivera's decades of experience and commitment to improving urban education will inform his address to graduates. During his tenure as superintendent of the School District of Lancaster, his team developed and implemented a new curriculum, an aggressive professional development plan and innovative classroom observation tools. These initiatives resulted in an increased graduation rate, notable improvements in math, science and writing proficiency scores, and enhanced the level of participation from high-performing students in programs that help prepare them for college and other post-graduation opportunities. In September 2014, Rivera was honored by the White House as a Champion of Change for his efforts to transform urban education - one of ten recipients nationwide to receive the prestigious honor. Rivera is a first-generation college student, raised in the Hunting Park section of North Philadelphia. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master's degree in Education Administration from Cheyney University and his Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility from Arcadia University. The College of Education and Human Development's 99th Commencement ceremony will take place in McGongile Hall on May 10th at 5:00pm. Tickets are required for attendance.